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Deutsches Ärzteblatt International logoLink to Deutsches Ärzteblatt International
. 2015 Nov 6;112(45):759–767. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2015.0759

Mind–Body Medicine in the Secondary Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Holger Cramer 1,*, Romy Lauche 1, Anna Paul 1, Jost Langhorst 1, Andreas Michalsen 2,3, Gustav Dobos 1
PMCID: PMC4660854  PMID: 26585187

Abstract

Background

In mind–body medicine (MBM), conventional lifestyle modification measures such as dietary counseling and exercise are supplemented with relaxation techniques and psychological motivational elements. This review studied the effect of MBM on cardiac events and mortality in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods

This review is based on publications up to and including January 2015 that were retrieved by a systematic search in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus. Randomized controlled trials of the effect of MBM programs (versus standard treatment) on cardiac events, overall mortality, and/or cardiac mortality were analyzed. Atherosclerosis, blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and the body mass index (BMI) were chosen as secondary outcomes. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed. The risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane tool.

Results

Twelve trials, performed on a total of 1085 patients, were included in the analysis. Significant differences between groups were found with respect to cardiac events (odds ratio [OR]: 0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.23–0.61; p<0.01; heterogeneity [I2]: 0%), but not overall mortality (OR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.46–1.45; p = 0.49; I2: 0%) or cardiac mortality (OR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.43–2.25; p = 0.97; I2: 0%). Significant differences between groups were also found with respect to atherosclerosis (mean difference [MD] = -7.86% diameter stenosis; 95% CI: -15.06–[-0.65]; p = 0.03; I2: 0%) and systolic blood pressure (MD = -3.33 mm Hg; 95% CI: -5.76–[-0.91]; p<0.01; I2: 0%), but not with respect to diastolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, or BMI.

Conclusion

In patients with CHD, MBM programs can lessen the occurrence of cardiac events, reduce atherosclerosis, and lower systolic blood pressure, but they do not reduce mortality. They can be used as a complement to conventional rehabilitation programs.


Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the most widespread diseases. It has a lifetime prevalence of 9.3% in 40- to 79-year-olds (1) and is the most common cause of death in Germany (2). According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), around 80% of the risk factors for CHD can be influenced by the patient’s behavior; this applies above all to lack of exercise, poor nutrition, overweight, and chronic subjective stress (3, 4). Correspondingly, the German National Disease Management Guideline on chronic CHD recommends secondary prevention as an integral component of the comprehensive long-term care of patients with cardiac disease (5). The preventive measures should cover the areas of nutrition, exercise/sport, and stress reduction/relaxation.

Particularly in the USA, intensive mind–body medicine (MBM) programs for lifestyle modification have been developed that integrate these components into standardized secondary preventive interventions (6). MBM focuses on achieving self-regulation by means of preventive and curative interactions between the brain, the rest of the body, the mind, and behavior (69).

In contrast to many other programs for lifestyle modification, MBM interventions include not only nutritional advice and exercise/sport, but also relaxation techniques and psychological motivational elements (6, 7, 9).

While the effects of single components or interventions (1012) and of less intensive lifestyle modification programs (1315) h ave been repeatedly studied, no meta-analyses of the effectiveness of complex MBM interventions have yet been published. The aim of this review was to perform a systematic analysis of the evidence from randomized trials on the effect of MBM interventions on cardiac events and mortality in comparison with standard treatment in patients with CHD.

Methods

This review was conducted and reported in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines (16) and the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration (17). The protocol was drawn up a priori and not changed in any way during the course of the review; it was not published in advance.

Inclusion criteria

Studies fulfilling the following criteria were included in the review:

Study type—Only randomized controlled trials were included. The language of publication was not a criterion.

Participants—Studies on adult patients (≥ 18 years) with diagnosed CHD were included.

Experimental interventions—Trials of MBM interventions were included. These interventions had to include theoretical and practical training in at least the following three components:

  • Nutrition

  • Exercise/sport

  • Stress reduction/relaxation.

Studies in which pharmacological treatments formed part of the intervention but the controls did not receive the same pharmacotherapy were excluded.

Control interventions—Trials that compared the experimental intervention with a standard treatment (pharmacological, lifestyle, or multimodal interventions) were included. However, studies in which the control intervention corresponded to the above definition of the experimental intervention were excluded.

Outcomes—Trials were included that acquired data on at least one of the following primary outcomes—with follow-up for ≥ 6 months after randomization:

  • Cardiac events (number of patients with acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass, and/or coronary angioplasty)

  • Overall mortality

  • Cardiac mortality.

The following were defined as secondary outcomes:

  • Atherosclerosis

  • Systolic and diastolic blood pressure

  • LDL cholesterol

  • Body mass index (BMI).

Search strategy

The systematic search strategy included both electronic databases and manual screening of reference lists. The databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched for relevant articles published in or before January 2015 (eTable 1). All identified summaries were read independently by two reviewers (HC and RL) and assessed as to their suitability. Potentially suitable publications were read in full. In the event of disagreement, a third reviewer (GD) was consulted and a consensus reached.

eTable 1. Search strategy.

PubMed
#1 „Lifestyle Modification“[Title/Abstract] OR “Mind-Body Therapies”[Mesh] OR „Mind-Body”[Title/Abstract] OR „Mind/Body”[Title/Abstract] OR „Ornish” [Title/Abstract]
#2 “Diet”[Mesh] OR “Diet”[Title/Abstract] OR “Food”[Mesh] OR “Food”[Title/Abstract] OR “Nutrition Therapy”[Mesh] OR “Nutrition”[Title/Abstract] OR “Mediterranean”[Title/Abstract]
#3 “Exercise”[Mesh] OR “Exercise Therapy”[Mesh] OR “Exercise”[Title/Abstract] OR “Physical Activity”[Title/Abstract] OR “Sports”[Mesh] OR “Sports” [Title/Abstract] “Running”[Mesh] OR “Running”[Title/Abstract] “Walking”[Mesh] OR “Walking”[Title/Abstract] “Swimming”[Mesh] OR “Swimming”[Title/Abstract] OR “Jogging”[Title/Abstract] OR “Cycling”[Title/Abstract] OR “Aerobics”[Title/Abstract]
#4 “Stress Management”[Title/Abstract] OR “Stress Reduction”[Title/Abstract] OR “Relaxation”[Mesh] OR “Relaxation Therapy”[Mesh] OR “Relaxa‧231;tion”[Title/Abstract] OR “Yoga”[Mesh] OR “Yoga”[Title/Abstract] OR “Meditation”[Mesh] OR “Meditation”[Title/Abstract] OR “Mindfulness” [Mesh] OR “Mindfulness”[Title/Abstract] OR “Imagery (Psychotherapy)” [Mesh] OR “Imagery”[Title/Abstract] OR “Biofeedback, Psychology”[Mesh] OR “Biofeedback”[Title/Abstract]
#5 #2 AND #3 AND #4
#6 #1 OR #5
#7 “Coronary Artery Disease”[Mesh] OR “Coronary Artery”[Title/Abstract] OR “Coronary Heart”[Title/Abstract] OR “Atherosclerosis”[Mesh] OR “Athero‧231;sclerosis”[Title/Abstract] OR “Arteriosclerosis”[Title/Abstract]
#8 “Randomized Controlled Trial”[Publication Type] OR “Controlled Clinical Trial”[Publication Type] OR “Randomized”[Title/Abstract] OR “Placebo”[Title/Abstract] OR “Random”[Title/Abstract] OR “Randomly”[Title/Abstract] OR “Trial”[Title/Abstract] OR “Group”[Title/Abstract]
#9 “Animals”[Mesh] NOT “Humans”[Mesh]
#10 #6 AND #7 AND #8 NOT #9
Cochrane Library
#1 „Lifestyle Modification“ or „Mind-Body“ or „Mind/Body” OR „ Ornish”:ti,ab,kw (Word variations have been searched)
#2 MeSH descriptor: [Mind-Body Therapies] explode all trees
#3 #1 OR #2
#4 „Diet“ or „Food“ or „Nutrition“ or „Mediterranean“:ti,ab,kw (Word variations have been searched)
#5 MeSH descriptor: [Diet] explode all trees
#6 MeSH descriptor: [Food] explode all trees
#7 MeSH descriptor: [Nutrition Therapy] explode all trees
#8 #4 OR #5 OR #6 OR #7
#9 „Exercise“ or „Physical Activity“ or „Sports“ or „Running“ or „Walking“ or „Swimming“ or „Jogging“ or „Cycling“ or „Aerobics“:ti,ab,kw (Word variations have been searched)
#10 MeSH descriptor: [Exercise] explode all trees
#11 MeSH descriptor: [Exercise Therapy] explode all trees
#12 MeSH descriptor: [Sports] explode all trees
#13 MeSH descriptor: [Running] explode all trees
#14 MeSH descriptor: [Walking] explode all trees
#15 MeSH descriptor: [Swimming] explode all trees
#16 #9 OR #10 OR #11 OR #12 OR #13 OR #14 OR #15
#17 „Stress Management“ or „Stress Reduction“ or „Relaxation“ or „Yoga“ or „Meditation“ or „Mindfulness“ or „Imagery“ or „Biofeedback“:ti,ab,kw (Word ‧231;variations have been searched)
#18 MeSH descriptor: [Relaxation] explode all trees
#19 MeSH descriptor: [Relaxation Therapy] explode all trees
#20 MeSH descriptor: [Yoga] explode all trees
#21 MeSH descriptor: [Meditation] explode all trees
#22 MeSH descriptor: [Mindfulness] explode all trees
#23 MeSH descriptor: [Imagery (Psychotherapy)] explode all trees
#24 MeSH descriptor: [Biofeedback, Psychology] explode all trees
#25 #17 OR #18 OR #19 OR #20 OR #21 OR #22 OR #23 OR #24
#26 #8 AND #16 AND #25
#27 #3 OR #26
#28 „Coronary Artery“ or „Coronary Heart“ or „Atherosclerosis“ or „Arteriosclerosis“:ti,ab,kw (Word variations have been searched)
#29 MeSH descriptor: [Coronary Artery Disease] explode all trees
#30 MeSH descriptor: [Atherosclerosis] explode all trees
#31 #28 OR #29 OR #30
#32 #27 AND #31
Scopus
#1 TITLE-ABS-KEY („Lifestyle Modification“ OR „Mind-Body“ OR „Mind/Body“ OR „ Ornish“)
#2 TITLE-ABS-KEY („Diet“ OR „Food“ OR „Nutrition“ OR „Mediterranean“)
#3 TITLE-ABS-KEY („Exercise“ OR „Physical Activity“ OR „Sports“ OR „Running“ OR „Walking“ OR „Swimming“ OR „Jogging“ OR „Cycling“ OR ‧231;„Aerobics“)
#4 TITLE-ABS-KEY („Stress Management“ OR „Stress Reduction“ OR „Relaxation“ OR „Yoga“ OR „Meditation“ OR „Mindfulness“ OR „Imagery“ OR „Biofeedback“)
#5 #2 AND #3 AND #4
#6 #1 OR #5
#7 TITLE-ABS-KEY („Coronary Artery“ OR „Coronary Heart“ OR „Atherosclerosis“ OR „Arteriosclerosis“)
#8 TITLE-ABS-KEY („Randomized“ OR „Randomised“ OR „Placebo“ OR „Random“ OR „Randomly“ OR „Trial“ OR „Group“)
#9 #6 AND #7 AND #8

Data extraction

Data on patients, interventions, outcomes, and results were extracted independently by two reviewers (HC and RL) with the aid of an a priori designed data extraction sheet. In the event of disagreement, a third reviewer (GD) was consulted and a consensus reached.

Determination of risk of bias in individual studies

Two reviewers (HC and RL) independently used the Cochrane Collaboration instrument (17) to assess the risk of bias as “low,” “high,” or “unclear” in the following areas:

  • Selection (random sequence generation, allocation concealment)

  • Performance (blinding of participants and personnel)

  • Detection (blinding of outcome assessment)

  • Attrition (incomplete outcome data)

  • Report (selective reporting)

  • Other.

In the event of disagreement, a third reviewer (GD) was consulted and a consensus reached.

Data analysis

The categorical primary outcomes were evaluated using the generic inverse variance method based on random effects models. Log odds ratios and the associated standard errors were calculated in a standardized Excel spreadsheet (in trials with empty cells, 0.5 was added to all cells [18]). On the basis of these data, Review Manager 5 (version 5.2, The Nordic Cochrane Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark) was used to establish the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) (17). In the case of significant differences between groups we calculated the number needed to treat (NNT) with 95% CI.

Secondary outcomes were evaluated as continuous variables with the aid of mean differences (MD) and standardized mean differences (SMD) (17). Missing standard deviations were either calculated from the standard error, CI, or t-values (17) or imputed as the mean standard deviation of the remaining trials.

The data for the primary outcomes were extracted from the latest follow-up findings, the data for the secondary outcomes at the earliest time point after the end of the intervention.

Statistical heterogeneity was determined on the basis of I2. The heterogeneity was classified as low if I2 was between 0% and 24%, moderate between 25% and 49%, substantial between 50% and 74%, and high between 75% and 100% (17, 19). The significance of heterogeneity was verified using the chi-square test. Owing to the low power of this test, p ≤ 0.10 was defined as indicating a significant difference (17).

Subgroup and sensitivity analyses

Sensitivity analyses were carried out to test the robustness of significant results. These analyses only included either studies with low risk of selection bias (i.e., adequate random sequence generation and allocation concealment) or studies with low risk of detection bias (i.e., adequate blinding of outcome assessment).

Publication bias

The risk of publication bias was assessed by visual inspection of funnel plots produced using Review Manager, provided the corresponding meta-analysis included at least 10 trials (17, 20). Relatively symmetrical funnel plots indicated low risk of bias, while asymmetric plots indicated high risk of bias.

Results

Literature survey

The literature search threw up 1872 non-duplicated results. Of these, 1839 were excluded because their title and summary showed that they did not meet the inclusion criteria (Figure 1). The remaining 33 publications were read in full. Thirteen of these were excluded for the following reasons:

Figure 1.

Figure 1

Overview of excluded studies

  • The studies were not randomized (e1e4)

  • Not all patients had a diagnosis of CHD (e5e8)

  • The intervention did not include stress reduction/relaxation (e9, e10)

  • None of the primary outcomes was acquired (e11, e12)

  • The duration of follow-up was less than 6 months (e13).

The 20 full-text articles (2140) that were eventually included reported the results of 12 randomized trials with a total of 1085 patients.

Study characteristics

The Table and the supplementary eTable 2 show the characteristics of the 12 trials that were included. Two of them were carried out in Germany (21, 30), three in Sweden (24, 25, 27, 28, 35, 36), three in the USA (20, 21, 32, 33, 38, 39), and one each in Portugal (31), Norway (40), Thailand (37), and India (29).

eTable 2. Detailed characteristics of the studies analyzed.

Author Study population Intervention Control Follow-up Outcomes
Albus 2009
(21)

Patients with CHD (stenosis >50%)
N=77
Age: 54.3±7.5 (intervention),
54.1±6.3 (control)
Sex: 34/39 men (intervention),
33/38 men (control)
Multimodal behavioral intervention
Nutritional training
Endurance training, games
Relaxation training (PMR; AT)


Initially for 1 week, then 10 weekly
sessions, then 9 monthly sessions,
Total of 77.5h over 12 months

Also standard cardiological care
Standard cardiological care
Visit to cardiologist every 3 months for physical examination, checking and adjustment of medication, brief advice on healthy lifestyle according to the 1998 ESC guidelines for CHD prevention
84 months Cardiac events (PTCA, ACVB, MI)
Overall mortality
Cardiac mortality
Atherosclerosis (MP)
Aldana 2007
(22)
Patients with CHD
N=93
Age: 60.9±9.7 (intervention)
62.2±8.9 (control)
Sex: 22/46 men (intervention),
30/47 men (control)
Ornish program
Vegetarian diet, little fat, complex CH
Individualized endurance training
Stress management based on Hatha Yoga
Weeks 1–12: 2 sessions of 4h per week
Weeks 12–48: 1 session of 4h per week
Standard cardiological care
Examination
Checking and adjustment of medication
Supervised exercise
Nutritional advice
12 months Overall mortality
Cardiac mortality
Atherosclerosis (IMT)
Systolic/diastolic blood pressure
LDL cholesterol
BMI
Haglin 2011
(24)
Patients with CHD
N=48
Age: mean age not given
Sex: 25/36 men (intervention), 10/12 men (control)
Multidisciplinary lifestyle modification
Nutrition, no alcohol, no coffee
Sport
Stress management

Weeks 1–4: 114 h
After 1 and 5 years: 4-day course
Standard cardiological care 19 years Overall mortality
Lisspers 1999
(27)
Patients with CHD and coronary angioplasty
N=93
Age: 53±7 (intervention, control)
Sex: 37/46 men (intervention), 36/41 men (control)
Comprehensive behavioral medicine lifestyle modification program
Low-fat diet according to Swedish guidelines
Sport
Relaxation training and stress management, e.g., biofeedback and other relaxation methods
Weeks 1–4: inpatient treatment
Months 2–12: patient responsible for continuing lifestyle modification, follow-up contacts
Standard cardiological care 12 months
24 months
Cardiac events (PTCA, ACVB, MI)
Overall mortality
Cardiac mortality
LDL cholesterol
BMI
Systolic/diastolic blood pressure
Manchanda 2000
(29)
Patients with CHD and stable angina
N=42
Age: 51±9 (intervention),
52±10 (control)
Sex: 100% men
Yoga lifestyle intervention
Low-fat diet, complex CH, high proportion of greens
Yoga exercises, moderate aerobic exercises
Meditation techniques, breathing techniques, stress management, and relaxation exercises
Days 1–4: yoga camp
Up to 12 months: unsupervised
exercises at home, 90 min/day
Conventional treatment recommendations
Medicinal treatment
Diet
Moderate aerobic exercises
12 months Overall mortality
Cardiac mortality
Atherosclerosis (coronary angiography)
LDL cholesterol
Michalsen 2006
(30)
Patients with CHD
N=105
Age: 59±9 (intervention),
60±9 (control)
Sex: 38/48 men (intervention),
40/53 men (control)
Comprehensive lifestyle modification program
Mediterranean diet
Aerobic exercises, yoga
Stress management and relaxation exercises, meditation, guided imagery

Days 1–3: Initial program
Weeks 1–10: weekly 3-h program
Months 3–12: weekly 2-h program
Plus daily practice for 20 min at home
Written advice on lifestyle modification 12 months
36 months
Cardiac events (PTCA, ACVB, MI)
Overall mortality
Cardiac mortality
Atherosclerosis (computed tomography: coronary calcification)
BMI
Systolic/diastolic blood pressure
LDL cholesterol
Neves 2009
(31)
Patients with CHD
N=81
Age: 59.6±10.8 (intervention), 59.5±10.8 (control)
Sex: 35/41 men (intervention), 34/40 men (control)
Cardiac rehabilitation with relaxation therapy
Diet
Sport
Relaxation exercise based on PMR, imagination exercises

12-week program: 4 sessions of instruction + 3 sessions of sport per week
Cardiac rehabilitation
Diet
Sport
12-week program with 4 sessions of instruction + 3 sessions of sport per week
24 months Cardiac events
Overall mortality
Cardiac mortality
BMI
Systolic/diastolic blood pressure
Ornish 1990
(32)
Patients with CHD
N=53
Age: 56.1±7.5 (intervention), 59.8±9.1 (control)
Sex: 21/22 men (intervention, 15/19 men (control)
Ornish program
Vegetarian diet, little fat, complex CH, no alcohol, no caffeine, salt reduction
Moderate endurance training, stretching
Stress management and relaxation exercises: breathing exercises, meditation, PMR, imagination exercises

Week 1: daily 3h stress management training, 1h sport, 1h group meeting
Weeks 2–52: group meetings 2 × 1 h per week
Diet for at least 1 year, 1h relaxation per day, 3h sport per week
Standard cardiological care 12 months 5 years Cardiac events (PTCA, ACVB, MI)
Overall mortality
Cardiac mortality
Atherosclerosis (coronary angiography)
Systolic/diastolic blood pressure
LDL cholesterol
Plüss 2008
(36)
Patients with infarction or after bypass
N=224
Age: 63.0±7.2 (intervention), 63.0±7.3 (control)
Sex: 85/111 men (intervention), 88/113 men (control)
Expanded cardiac rehabilitation program with stress management
Diet
Aerobic training
Stress management and relaxation exercises
Weeks 1–10: weekly meetings on stress management, 2 × per week 60 min aerobic exercise
Weeks 11–52: stress management meet-ings every 3 weeks
Standard cardiological care 12 months
5 years
Cardiac events (MI)
verall mortality
Cardiac mortality
Systolic/diastolic blood pressure
LDL cholesterol
BMI
Srimahachota 2010
(37)
Patients with CHD
N=44 Age: 60.7±8.4 (intervention),
66.0±7.1 (control)
Sex: 11/15 men (intervention),
13/15 men (control)
Lifestyle modification
Diet, low fat with high proportion of fiber
Moderate aerobic training (walking)
Stress management and relaxation
exercises: PMR, imagination exercises, breathing exercises

6 months: daily 30 min sport, 60 min relaxation
Standard cardiological care
Medication
Lifestyle advice
6 months Overall mortality
Cardiac mortality
BMI
Systolic/diastolic blood pressure
LDL cholesterol
Toobert 1998
(38)
Patients with CHD
N=28
Age: 64±9 (intervention), 62±11 (control)
Sex: 100% women
Intensive lifestyle modification with stress management
Ornish diet: vegetarian, little fat, complex CH, no alcohol, no caffeine, salt reduction
Moderate endurance training, yoga
Stress management and relaxation exercises: breathing exercises, meditation, PMR, imagination exercises

Week 1: 7-day retreat
Months 1–15: 2 × per week meeting for 4 h, 3× per week sport for 1h, daily 1 h relaxation
Standard cardiological care 12 months Overall mortality
Cardiac mortality
LDL cholesterol
BMI
Systolic/diastolic blood pressure
Vestfold Heartcare Study Group 2003
(40)
Patients with CH
N=197
Age: 54±8 (intervention), 55±8 (control)
Sex: 79/98 men (intervention), 83/99 men (control)
Comprehensive lifestyle modification
Low-fat, Mediterranean diet
Moderate aerobic training
Stress management and relaxation exercises
Weeks 1–6: 2 × per week meeting for 2h, 2 × per week 60-min sessions of exercise and relaxation
Weeks 7–16: 2 × per week 60 min exercise
Months 4–24: meeting every 3 weeks, unsupervised exercise
Standard cardiological care 24 months Overall mortality
Systolic/diastolic blood pressure

ACVB, aortocoronary venous bypass; AT, autogenous training; BMI, body mass index; CH, carbohydrates; CHD, coronary heart disease; ESC, European Society of Cardiology; IMT, intima-media thickness; LDL, low-density lipoprotein; MI, myocardial infarction; MP, myocardial perfusion; PMR, progressive muscle relaxation; PTCA, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

The sample size ranged from 28 to 224 with a median of 79 patients. Between 0 and 100% of the patients (median 81.1%) were men; the average age ranged from 51.9 to 66.0 years (median 59.6 years). The duration of the intervention varied widely. The shortest intervention was 4 days, followed by 12 months of putting into practice what had been learned (29). The longest intervention comprised 24 months of supervised treatment (40). In most studies the duration of the supervised intervention was 12 months (2123, 30, 32, 33, 35, 3739). All 12 trials recorded overall mortality, at times varying from 6 months to 19 years (median 2 years) after the intervention; 10 trials reported cardiac mortality, between 6 months and 7 years (median 2 years); and six trials registered cardiac events after 1 to 7 years (median 2.5 years). Atherosclerosis was measured after 1 to 7 years, blood pressure after 6 months to 2 years, LDL cholesterol after 6 months to 2 years, and BMI after 6 months to 2 years (median 1 year in each case).

Risks of bias in individual studies

The risk of bias is shown in eTable 3. Three trials presented a low risk of selection bias (24, 30, 35, 36), while four trials reported adequate blinding of outcome assessment (21, 23, 30, 32, 33, 35, 37).

eTable 3. Risk of bias in individual studies.

Bias Other bias
Author, year Random sequence generation (selection bias) Allocation concealment (selection bias) Blinding of participants and personnel (performance bias) Blinding of outcome assessment (detection bias) Incomplete outcome data (attrition bias) Selective reporting (reporting bias)
Albus 2009 (21) Low risk Unclear risk Unclear risk Low risk Low risk Unclear risk Low risk
Aldana 2007 (22) Unclear risk Unclear risk Unclear risk Unclear risk Low risk Low risk Low risk
Haglin 2011 (24) Low risk Low risk Unclear risk Unclear risk Low risk Low risk High risk
Lisspers 1999 (27) Unclear risk Unclear risk Unclear risk Unclear risk Unclear risk High risk Low risk
Manchanda 2000 (29) Unclear risk Unclear risk Unclear risk Unclear risk Unclear risk Low risk Low risk
Michalsen 2006 (30) Low risk Low risk Unclear risk Low risk Low risk Low risk Low risk
Neves 2009 (31) Unclear risk Unclear risk Unclear risk Unclear risk Low risk Low risk Low risk
Ornish 1990 (32) High risk High risk Unclear risk Low risk High risk Unclear risk Low risk
Plüss 2008 (36) Low risk Low risk Low risk Low risk Low risk Low risk Low risk
Srimahachota 2010 (37) Unclear risk Unclear risk Unclear risk Unclear risk High risk Low risk Low risk
Toobert 1998 (38) Unclear risk Unclear risk Unclear risk Unclear risk Low risk Low risk High risk
Vestfold Heartcare Study Group 2003 (40) Unclear risk Low risk Unclear risk Unclear risk Low risk Unclear risk Low risk

Data analysis

The results of qualitative and quantitative data analysis were as follows:

Primary outcomes—There was a significant group difference in the incidence of cardiac events, which occurred in 33 of 308 patients in the intervention groups and 68 of 307 patients in the control groups (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.23–0.61; p<0.01; Figure 2). The heterogeneity was low (I2 0%; p = 0.76), and the NNT was 8.33 (95% CI 4.17–100.00). No significant differences were found between the groups for overall mortality or cardiac mortality (Figure 2). Altogether, 33 of 545 patients in the intervention groups and 30 of 511 patients in the control groups died (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.46–1.45; p = 0.49). Eleven of 411 patients in the intervention groups and 12 of 399 patients in the control groups died of cardiac causes (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.43–2.25; p = 0.97).

Figure 2.

Figure 2

Meta-analyses of primary outcomes:

A) cardiac events; B) overall mortality; C) cardiac mortality.

IV, inverse variance; CI, confidence interval, SE, standard error

Secondary outcomes—The meta-analysis revealed a significant group difference for atherosclerosis (MD = -7.86% diameter stenosis; 95% CI -15.06–[-0.65]; p = 0.03; eFigure 1); the heterogeneity was low (I2 0%; p = 0.91). However, two studies whose data could not be included in the meta-analysis reported no difference between the groups for atherosclerosis (22, 39). Another study found a significant difference in the occurrence of myocardial perfusion as an indirect measure of atherosclerosis (21). When this study was included in the meta-analysis, the difference between the groups remained significant (n = 146; SMD -0.55, 95% CI -0.99–[-0.22]; p<0.01; I2 0%). A group difference was also found for systolic blood pressure (MD = -3.33 mm Hg, 95% CI -5.76–[-0.91]; p<0.01; I2 0%), but not for diastolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, or BMI (eFigure 1).

eFigure 1.

eFigure 1

Meta-analyses

of secondary outocmes:

A) atherosclerosis;

B) systolic blood pressure;

C) diastolic blood pressure;

D) LDL cholesterol;

E) body mass index.

IV, inverse variance; CI, confidence interval; SD, standard deviation

Sensitivity analyses

If only trials with a low risk of selection bias were included, only the group difference for cardiac events remained significant (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.22–0.97; p = 0.04; I2 0%). In the two studies concerned (30, 35, 36), cardiac events occurred in 12 of 162 patients in the intervention groups and 24 of 167 patients in the control groups. When only trials with a low risk of detection bias (21, 23, 30, 32, 3537) were included, there were significant differences between the groups for cardiac events (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.22–0.76; p<0.01; I2 0%) and atherosclerosis (SMD -0.58, 95% CI -0.98–[-0.19]; p<0.01; I20%).

Publication bias

The funnel plots for overall mortality and cardiac mortality were relatively symmetrical (eFigure 2, eFigure 3), indicating a low risk of bias.

eFigure 2.

eFigure 2

Funnel plot for meta-analysis

of overall mortality.

OR, odds ratio; SE, standard error

eFigure 3.

eFigure 3

Funnel plot for meta-analysis

of cardiac mortality.

OR, odds ratio; SE, standard error

Discussion

This meta-analysis of 12 randomized trials with a total of 1085 CHD patients found significant effects on cardiac events, atherosclerosis, and systolic blood pressure after MBM interventions or intensive lifestyle modification compared to standard treatment. The decreased risk of cardiac events was robust against potential methodological bias. Heterogeneity was low, as was the risk of publication bias.

Agreement with previous reviews

To the best of our knowledge this is the first systematic review of the effect of mind–body medicine in coronary heart disease. However, less intensive modifications of lifestyle have been reviewed. De Waure et al. (13) evaluated a total of 14 randomized trials of behavioral interventions that included at least two of the following components: nutritional recommendations, psychological interventions, exercise/sport, and giving up smoking. There was some overlap between De Waure et al. and our review, but the trials included were largely different. The control interventions and the assessment of blinding were comparable. In contrast to our meta-analysis, that by De Waure et al. showed an effect on cardiac mortality but not on non-fatal cardiac events.

Another meta-analysis by Janssen et al. (14), including 23 randomized trials of lifestyle interventions showed group differences for overall mortality, cardiac mortality, and non-fatal cardiac events; however, these differences were all smaller than that found for cardiac events in our meta-analysis.

Again, the differences between the reviews are probably attributable mainly to the differences in inclusion criteria. Janssen et al. included all studies that focused on lifestyle factors. Moreover, the interventions ranged all the way from just advice on sports and nutrition to intensive lifestyle modification programs—all of which were also included in our review (2224, 32, 33, 40)—and no restrictions were imposed regarding the control interventions used. The review by Janssen et al. (14) did not include evaluation of blinding. Although the power of the present meta-analysis is reduced by the smaller number of studies included, the greater homogeneity of interventions employed permits more accurate assessment of the practical utility of the findings.

Finally, a third previous review found, in agreement with our results, a reduction in atherosclerosis after lifestyle modification interventions comprising nutritional and/or sports programs (15).

External and internal validity

This meta-analysis includes trials carried out in Europe, North America, and Asia. In line with the epidemiology of CHD most of the patients were older males, although one trial explicitly included only women (38, 39). Therefore, the findings can be assumed to apply to patients encountered in clinical practice.

The risk of bias overall is rather high. Three and four of the studies were found to have a low risk of selection and detection bias respectively. While the risk of publication bias was low and the effects of the interventions on cardiac events were robust against bias and had low heterogeneity, the effects on the secondary outcomes were not verifiable in studies with low risk of selection bias. Internal validity thus seems to be present only for the effects of the interventions on cardiac events.

Strengths and limitations

The strengths of this meta-analysis are the following:

  • The comprehensive survey of the literature

  • The clearly defined inclusion criteria, particularly with regard to the target interventions

  • The assessment of the applicability of the findings in clinical practice (e14).

The greatest weakness is the restricted internal validity of the results. Moreover, the findings regarding atherosclerosis are limited by the low number of studies and the contradictory results depending on the method of investigation. The substantial differences in duration of follow-up could limit the power of the results particularly for the primary outcomes. Furthermore, it is uncertain whether the interventions in the individual trials are sufficiently homogeneous for the purposes of a meta-analysis. However, the low statistical heterogeneity in all analyses of primary outcomes speaks against systematic distortion of the results by the differences in intervention design or length of follow-up.

Implications for future research

Further studies are required to clarify the effect of intensified lifestyle modification on cardiovascular risk factors, particularly atherosclerosis and blood pressure. These studies should be conducted and reported in line with the widely accepted guidelines for clinical trials; only in this way can it be excluded that positive findings are the result of systematic distortion due to inadequate methods. Furthermore, it would be desirable to investigate the optimal intensity and duration of the intervention programs, as well as establishing which of the many existing exercise, nutrition, and relaxation programs are best for use in the secondary prevention of CHD.

Implications for clinical practice

The primary aim of secondary prevention and treatment of CHD is to exert a favorable influence on the course and prognosis of the disease. Owing to the reduction in the risk of cardiological events, MBM programs can be viewed as successful in affecting the disease course. Although there were no direct signs of reduction in mortality, non-fatal cardiac events have been proved to be an important predictor for the course of CHD (e15, e16). Therefore, patients with CHD can be unreservedly recommended to take part in MBM interventions or intensified lifestyle modification programs in addition to classical cardiological rehabilitation.

Table. Characteristics of the studies analyzed.

Authors Study population Intervention Control Follow-up Outcomes
Albus et al. 2009
(21)
Patients with CHD
(stenosis >50%);
n = 77
Multimodal behavioral intervention:
initial treatment for 1 week,
then 10 weekly sessions,
then 9 monthly sessions,
total of 77.5h over 12 months;
also standard cardiological care
Standard cardiological care,
visit to cardiologist every 3 months
84 months Cardiac events (PTCA, ACVB, MI),
overall mortality,
cardiac mortality, atherosclerosis (MP)
Aldana et al. 2007
(22)
Patients with CHD
n=93
Ornish program:
weeks 1–12: 2 sessions of 4h per week;
weeks 12–48: 1 session of 4h per week
Standard cardiological care 12 months Overall mortality, cardiac mortality,
atherosclerosis (IMT), systolic/diastolic
blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, BMI
Haglin et al. 2011
(24)
Patients with CHD
n=48
Multidisciplinary lifestyle modification:
weeks 1–4: 114 h;
after 1 and 5 years: 4-day course
Standard cardiological care 19 years Overall mortality
Lisspers et al. 1999
(27)
Patients with CHD and
coronary angioplasty
n=93
Comprehensive behavioral medicine
lifestyle modification program:
weeks 1–4: inpatient treatment
months 2–12: patient responsible for continuing lifestyle modification, follow-up contacts
Standard cardiological care 12 months
24 months
Cardiac events (PTCA, ACVB, MI),
overall mortality, cardiac mortality,
LDL cholesterol, BMI, systolic/diastolic blood pressure
Manchanda et al.
2000 (29)
Patients with CHD and
stable angina
n=42
Yoga lifestyle intervention:
days 1–4: yoga camp;
up to 12 months: unsupervised exercises
at home, 90 min/day
Conventional treatment recommendations 12 months Overall mortality, cardiac mortality,
atherosclerosis (coronary angiography),
LDL cholesterol
Michalsen et al. 2006 (30) Patients with CHD
n=105
Comprehensive lifestyle modification program:
days 1–3: initial program (3 full days);
weeks 1–10: weekly 3-h program;
months 3–12: weekly 2-h program
plus daily practice for 20 min at home
Written advice on lifestyle modification 12 months
36 months
Cardiac events (PTCA, ACVB, MI),
overall mortality, cardiac mortality,
atherosclerosis (computed tomography:
coronary calcification), BMI, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol
Neves et al.
2009 (31)
Patients with CHD
n=81
Cardiac rehabilitation with relaxation therapy:
12-week program with
4 sessions of instruction + 3 sessions of sport per week
Cardiac rehabilitation:
12-week program with
4 sessions of instruction + 3 sessions of sport per week
24 months Cardiac events, overall mortality, cardiac mortality, BMI, systolic/diastolic blood pressure
Ornish et al. 1990
(32)
Patients with CHD
n=53
Ornish program:
week 1: daily 3h stress management
training, 1h sport, 1h group meeting;
weeks 2–52: group meetings 2 × 1 h per week;
diet for at least 1 year, 1h relaxation per day, 3h sport per week
Standard cardiological care 12 months
5 years
Cardiac events (PTCA, ACVB, MI), overall mortality, cardiac mortality, atherosclerosis (coronary angiography), systolic/diastolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol
Plüss et al. 2008
(36)
Patients with infarction or after bypass
n=24
Expanded cardiac rehabilitation
program with stress management:
weeks 1–10: weekly meetings on stress
management, 2 × per week 60 min aerobic exercise;
weeks 11–52: stress management
meetings every 3 weeks
Standard cardiological care 12 months5 years Cardiac events (MI), overall mortality, cardiac mortality, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, BMI
Srimahachota et al. 2010 (37) Patients with CHDn=4 Lifestyle modification:6 months: daily 30 min sport, 60 min relaxation Standard cardiological care 6 months Overall mortality, cardiac mortality, BMI, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol
Toobert et al. 1998
(38)
Patients with CHD
n=28
Intensive lifestyle modification with stress management:
week 1: 7-day retreat;
months 1–15: 2 × per week meeting for 4h, 3× per week sport for 1h, daily 1 h relaxation
Standard cardiological care 12 months Overall mortality, cardiac mortality, LDL cholesterol, BMI, systolic/diastolic blood pressure
Vestfold Heartcare Study Group 2003
(40)
Patients with CHD
n=197
Comprehensive lifestyle modification:
weeks 1–6: 2 × per week meeting for 2h, 2 × per week 60-min sessions of exercise and relaxation;
weeks 7–16: 2 × per week 60 min exercise;
months 4–24: meeting every 3 weeks, unsupervised exercise
Standard cardiological care 24 months Overall mortality, systolic/diastolic blood pressure

ACVB, aortocoronary venous bypass; BMI, body mass index; CHD, coronary heart disease; IMT, intima-media thickness; LDL, low-density lipoprotein; MI, myocardial infarction; MP, myocardial perfusion; PTCA, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

Key Messages.

  • Mind–body medicine (MBM) has developed intensified lifestyle modification programs for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD). These interventions cover the areas of nutrition, exercise, and relaxation.

  • MBM can reduce the incidence of cardiac events, but not of cardiac or overall mortality.

  • MBM can positively influence atherosclerosis and systolic blood pressure, but not diastolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, or body mass index.

  • MBM programs can be considered as an adjuvant to classical rehabilitation measures in patients with CHD.

Acknowledgments

Translated from the original German by David Roseveare.

This review was supported by the Rut and Klaus Bahlsen Foundation. The sponsor had no influence on the planning or execution of the review, the acquisition or interpretation of the data, or the writing of the manuscript.

Footnotes

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that no conflict of interest exists.

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